W/R or R/W? Fighter with apply poison

I want to make a fighter who uses apply poison + sever artery. In my opinion, this is one of the most challenging and creative builds one can think of. I saw someone in the game with this build only once in my 3 months of playing.
Here's my question: Do any of you have such characters? Are they any good? I cannot figure out how to balance out my points, since I want to use Tactics for "Victory is Mine", then I need Wilderness Survival, and Swordsmanship. This leaves me with no strength. No str = no armor penetration=bad fighter
I saw some posts on the net suggesting a R/W with hammer. But I dislike hammers, and Ranger is a weak melee fighter. Also he'll have no str. Any suggestions, any comments? I'd be very greatful.

Do you want to be a Sword Warrior that uses lots of energy based skills such as Hamstring, PureStrike, Savage Slash, Seeking Blade, and Hundred Blades? If so, then I'd go a Ra/Wa using Expertise, Wilderness and Swordsmanship (and enough Tactics to get you an OK shield). Rangers are high in energy and expertise makes energy skills cost about 40% less -- plus the expertise line has some fantastic skills that are really better than the ones you get with a strength warrior. Against an Elementalist, you even have a higher armour than a warrior.

I have an W/R and I wish I had taken him R/W to use Expertise - i mean think about it, Power Strike and Savage Slash costing 1-2 energy makes me drool, plus being able to make real use of Lightning Reflexes.

Thanx guys. I shall follow your advice.

Actually, I got another question.... I dont get 100 blades untill the end game. So I was thinking to use axes till then. I cannot understand this whole deal with skill points.. It costs 1 point everytime you want to take away a point from somth and add to somth else... Would you guys advice against using axes untill I get 100 blades, or it's ok? Is axes a descent choice for my character? or swords is better in my case?

Quote: Originally Posted by ibex333

I usually use axe for apply poison... one big reason = cyclone axe... 360 with longer reach than your physical arm length = awesome... everyone poisoned with ease... (and maybe barbed trap for bleed)

I would probably prefer R/W, as I tried W/R before and I find that the 15 energy for apply poison really kills me... I ended up only able to do apply poison in very early of the battle and very late of the battle.

Ranger with a bow is better at poisoining everyone because he doesn't have to run around.

I suppose axe would be a good choice untill end game at least.. if not for every occasion.
You're right... Cyclone axe is worth it alone.
Vindexus you are right I know that, but I have no interest in using bows as I already have a bow ranger/mesmer with epidemic and he is doing very well. I'm making this new guy for the sole purplose of a challange and to keep my interest up in this game.

R/W will be better than W/R for pretty much any build based around a 15 energy skill, hands down.

Quote: Originally Posted by Tellani Artini

Quote: Originally Posted by Vindexus

Heres My R/W PvE Condition Stacker Build.

Attributes
Expertise 10(8+1+1)
Wilderness Survival 8(7+1)
Axe Mastery 12
Tactics 8
--------------
Total 199pts

SKiLLS
Cyclone Axe
Swift Chop
Executioners Strike
Whirling Defense
Apply Poison
Throw Dirt
Victory is Mine{E}
Barbed Trap/Res Signet

Using Cyclone+Poison(AoE Posion), Throw Dirt (AoE Blind) Blind), Barbed Trap(Crippled+Bleeding), you can inflict 4 AoE conditions, while using Whirling Defenses to block attacks. After that keep spamming (Cyclone +Swift Chop)x2 +Exec Strike like theres no tomorrow
Using a single ViM fills your health and energy bar

I often carry 2 different element weapon for melee or bow... one with one of the 4 element, the other would be pure physical damage... no they don't ignore armor, however... they do ignore the part such as "+20 armor vs physical attack" when you use elemental weapon... and warrior armor is really no big deal without that +20 (then you attack them from the back too).

Quote: Originally Posted by Anarkii

Quote: Originally Posted by Vermilion Okeanos

Quote: Originally Posted by ibex333

Arrrr ye stole me idea straigt from under me. Meh i probably wasnt the first either. I got a R/W that does pretty much exactly what you say... It goes a little something like this...

Swordsmanship:12
Tactics:7
Wilderness Survival:8(5+1+2)
Expertise:9(7+1+1)

Apply Poison
Seeking Blade/100 Blades possibly?
Sever Artery
Gash
Hamstring
Gladiator's Defense [E]
Lightning Reflexes
Troll Unguent

I probably should have made it a warrior, but i didnt have the forsight. Also there probably would have been some energy restrictions, but as of now, its workable. Works suprisingly well against warriors.

Basicly, you just apply poison and run in and fight people, pretty uncomplicated. Gladiator's Defense for when someone is attacking you.


REVISED! Thanks to all you guys's ideas i stole :P

Quote: Originally Posted by Anarkii

R/W's can't work at all just delete the character